Danshen Polysaccharides Alleviate Aflatoxin B1-Induced Liver Damage and Immune Disorders by Inhibiting the ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway

Danshen polysaccharide (DSPS) is the main natural compound extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Danshen. Although DSPS is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its impact on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced damage has not been explored. This study aims to investigate the potential protective mechanisms of DSPS against AFB1-induced liver damage and immune disorders. The experiment lasted a total of three weeks, during which 120 rabbits were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 20). AFB1 and DSPS were incorporated into the diets of each group. We found that DSPS significantly inhibited AFB1-induced hepatocyte edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p < 0.05). DSPS alleviated oxidative damage by downregulating CYP1A1/A2 mRNA, enhancing liver total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels, and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). DSPS inhibits the expression of cytochrome c (cyt.c), caspase 9, and caspase 3, significantly reducing the apoptosis rate of hepatocytes (p < 0.05). Additionally, DSPS elevates the levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), while decreasing the concentration of IL-4 (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that DSPS can alleviate AFB1-induced damage, with the underlying mechanisms likely related to enhanced antioxidant capacity, inhibition of oxidative stress, and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, as well as improved immune responses.